Description
This Cashew Chicken Quinoa Bake is a delicious, hearty dish featuring tender chicken breast and colorful bell peppers layered over fluffy quinoa, all infused with a flavorful hoisin-ginger sauce and topped with crunchy cashews. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, this casserole combines protein-rich quinoa with vibrant veggies and a savory Asian-inspired glaze, baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white quinoa (rinsed and uncooked)
- 1 cup yellow onion (minced)
- 2 medium bell peppers (any color, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cashews (raw or roasted)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce (or gluten-free hoisin sauce)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (low sodium)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced, fresh ginger paste works too)
- 1.25 cups water (1 cup used in sauce, 0.25 cup for moisture)
Optional Garnishes
- Green onion (sliced)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and lightly spray a casserole dish with coconut oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Base Layers: Spread the rinsed uncooked quinoa evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, layer the minced onion and chopped bell peppers evenly over the quinoa. Finally, place the diced chicken breast pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce or tamari, fresh minced ginger, and 1 cup of water using a fork until well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Casserole: Evenly pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetable layers in the casserole dish, ensuring everything is coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven at 375ºF for 45 minutes. This allows the quinoa to cook and the chicken to bake through.
- Add Cashews and Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle 1 cup of cashews evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to toast the cashews slightly.
- Rest the Casserole: After baking, let the quinoa casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the casserole to thicken and cool slightly for better flavor and serving consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds to add freshness and a nutty crunch.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before using to remove bitterness and improve texture.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free hoisin sauce and tamari or soy sauce.
- Raw or roasted cashews can be used depending on your preference; roasting in the oven further enhances their flavor.
- Feel free to use any color bell peppers, or a mix, for vibrant presentation.
- This casserole is ideal for meal prepping and reheats well in the oven or microwave.
- For extra moisture, you can add a splash more water if the quinoa appears dry before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
